Experience

• 

  Eye Associates of New Mexico

  • United States
  • Medical Practices
  • 200 - 300 Employee

  • Retired

    • Apr 2018 - Apr 2018

  • Director of Human Resources

    • 2001 - Apr 2018

    Manage HR function for 475-person ophthalmology/optometry practice with 15 clinic locations in New Mexico. Responsible for all Human Resources functions including, but not limited to employee relations, policies/procedures, health and welfare benefits, compensation, physician recruitment, HRIS, general staffing, employment law, mediation and regulatory compliance relating to HR. Report to the Executive VP; member of the senior administrative management team. Manage two HR administrators. Committee involvement: Compliance; Safety; Succession Planning. Work closely with all managers across the organization to interpret policy, discuss situations they are encountering, and collaborate to identify a course of action that will resolve the situation and ensure fair and consistent treatment of employees. Interact with employees who have questions or concerns; advocate on their behalf to try to resolve situations in a mutually agreeable manner. Work closely with outside legal counsel to research specific issues and to obtain guidance in dealing with particularly difficult situations. Active involvement in physician recruitment: point person for visiting physician candidates with a goal of personalizing the visit and leaving him/her with a positive impression of the practice. In an odd twist to the traditional HR Director role, get involved in all new clinic construction projects as well as remodels of existing facilities by taking responsibility for sourcing furniture, lighting, signage and artwork and (sometimes) paint and floor coverings. This has been part of my role for ten years and evolved out of my art school background and general interest in interior design.

• 

  Hospital Services Corporation

  • Albuquerque, New Mexico Area

  • Manager Unemployment Compensation

    • 1995 - 2001
    • Albuquerque, New Mexico Area

    Managed unemployment claims from hospital, healthcare and hospitality companies throughout the state. Represented employers in unemployment hearings. Provided HR consulting to clients lacking HR departments. Provided on-site training to clients.

• 

  Caremark Inc. (Prescription Service Division)

  • Lincolnshire, Illinois

  • Human Resources Manager

    • 1991 - 1995
    • Lincolnshire, Illinois

    Provided HR support for division HQ facility of 300 employees; managed staff of four. Maintained positive employee relations environment and handled all related issues, including EEOC charges. Consulted with managers to define department structure and hiring needs; recruited for all levels through V.P., including field sales and specialized clinical jobs. Developed, revised and implemented HR policies. Wrote Affirmative Action plan and successfully completed an OFCCP audit. Counseled managers to resolve employee issues legally and sensitively. (Reason for leaving: Moved to NM)

• 

  Baxter Healthcare Corporation (Caremark Division)

  • Lincolnshire, IL

  • Area Human Resources Manager

    • 1989 - 1990
    • Lincolnshire, IL

    At the time, Caremark was the $600M home infusion therapy division of Baxter. I was one of four area HR managers. Provided HR support to 22 branch offices (approximately 400 employees) located in the western and northwestern US. Traveled 30% of the time. Recruited, interviewed and hired sales and managerial employees. Administered compensation and performance appraisal procedures for assigned branch offices. Counseled managers to achieve resolution of employee issues. Facilitated implementation of progressive disciplinary process and guided managers through development of appropriate documentation. Conducted 70 feedback meetings in the field to identify employees' concerns, then worked with branch management to develop corrective action plans. (Reason for leaving: Decentralization of the HR function resulted in the elimination of the Area HR Manager positions)

• 

  Continental Can Company (White Cap Division)

  • Chicago, IL

  • Human Resources Manager--Chicago Manufacturing Plants

    • 1986 - 1989
    • Chicago, IL

    Managed HR department for a two-plant, combined union/non-union metal fabricating facility of 700 employees. Managed a staff of five. Developed, communicated and implemented HR policies. Oversaw the development and implementation of a year-long hourly job evaluation and wage restructuring process. Worked with two plant managers to develop a two-year supervisory training program. Investigated EEOC charges and wrote company responses. Counseled production supervisors on company policies and legal requirements. Developed plant safety program and administered Workers' Compensation program. Established two community outreach programs (Adopt-A-School and Friends of the Library). Downsized manufacturing workforce by 10% and HR department by 50%.